AMBASSADORS: Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Environment ambassador Rob Gell last week visited one of the games mascots, Karak Junior, at Healesville Sanctuary.By DION TEASDALE
TWO of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games ambassadors last week met face to face at Healesville Sanctuary.
Former weatherman Rob Gell, the official Environment Ambassador, met one of the mascots, a recently hatched southeastern redtailed black cockatoo named Karak Junior.
Mr Gell went to the sanctuary as a guest speaker at the Victorian Association of Environmental Educators Conference, which addressed issues relating to the conservation of the cockatoo species.
He told the educators a key part of his role as Environment Ambassador to the Games would be to raise awareness of the issues surrounding the survival of the southeastern redtailed black cockatoo.
“Karak, the SouthEastern Redtailed Black Cockatoo has been chosen to represent the Games because it is uniquely Australian and because it needs our help for its survival,” Mr Gell said.
“The Commonwealth Games will provide a special opportunity for all Australians to take part in the protection of one of our most endangered species.”
Mr Gell said raising awareness of the plight of the cockatoo was just one of the Games’ environmental projects.
“The Bracks Government has made a commitment to an environmentally sustainable Games, which will bring about longterm legacies for our children. Our themes are water wise, carbon neutral and low waste,” he said.
“It’s important to understand that initiatives as diverse as smart water use and energy conservation, when taken up by the whole community, will deliver positive outcomes for endangered species like Karak.”
Mr Gell said Healesville Sanctuary would play a vital role during the Games.
“The Sanctuary will offer visitors from all over the world an opportunity to experience the diversity and richness of Australia’s natural treasures such as the redtailed black cockatoo,” he said.
